. Dimensions . No, it doesn't flow at all times. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. One of my best memories from the mountains has to be the first time I made it to the very top of Flatiron Peak, with over 2600 feet of elevation gain and about five miles round trip. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! Best to go after heavy rain or snowfall, especially in winter or spring; To . Thank you for sharing. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. This route is an excellent moderate, all day hike around the rock formation and a great way to ease yourself deeper into the Superstition Mountains. Unless you are a trooper and can wake up and hike before dawn and get back to the car shortly after sunrise, I would definitely not risk hiking in the mid day summer heat. Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. I love coming across little nuggets of paradises on the web and learn about them. administrator Whether you take a picnic lunch, or just find a comfortable spot to sit and soak in the scenery, Superstition Mountain is a great place to spend an afternoon. Lost Dutchman State Park is a great spot for enjoying views of the Superstition Mountains. The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. Weaver's Needle is a prominent volcanic plug monolith and perhaps . My name is Kevin Antol. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app likeGaia GPS. A small pool of water is created at the base of the falls and is extremely cold but refreshing! Along this route, you can get some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain range. Superstition Sunrise is a . Genre. Of course some trails will be easier than others. Read the full trail guide: Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains. Are the Superstition Mountains open for backpacking during the COVID-19 pandemic? By packing the essentials, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. While this is speculation and not necessarily factual, there was a report released indicating that in 1912, some lucky persons discovered $18,000 worth of gold ore in the general vicinity where the alleged murders happened. The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. With some planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Thanks for reading everyone. ART. It isnt for the faint of heart, though. Twisting over slickrock and sections of crumbling stone, the trail bends northeast, flanking scoured gorges above the course of First Water Creek. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'magnificentworld_com-box-2','ezslot_4',652,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-magnificentworld_com-box-2-0');Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. Simply put- Flatiron it is an epic day hike that consists of hiking up a slippery draw, scrambling up large rocks, and summiting one of the most challenging summits in the Superstition Mountains. Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Nearby Recently Sold Homes. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. January 22, 2023 at 1:53 pm Thank you. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest a regular training regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. This is one of the most popular trails in Superstition Wilderness, which features an incredible view of Weaver's Needle from the saddle. The falls tend to dry up in the summer and early fall . The Superstition Mountains are open and have remained open during the pandemic. Close by is the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and marina where you can book a room right by the river and have a short 15 minute drive to the Supes. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 3. Whether you enjoy golfing or shopping or hiking or wandering around museums - there's something for everyone at our RV resort! Nearby homes similar to 6816 E Hacienda LA Noria Ln have recently sold between $445K to $560K at an average of $270 per square foot. Third, take some time to explore the areas rich history. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. Siphon Draw Trail. Here, the massive forms of Hackberry Mesa, Four Peaks and the mountains around Canyon Lake to the north begin to stand out on the horizon. With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of unmarked trails, the Superstition Wilderness Area is a hikers dream. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. The helicopters are for tours and to look for injured or lost hikers. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. Flatiron Summit. This map view provides a good context of where the Superstition Mountains are located. Read the full trail guide: Local Guide To Wave Cave- The Superstitions Hidden Gem, Distance | 3.1 milesDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Hieroglyphic TrailheadPermit | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. Scottsdale As many Arizona cities look for ways to reduce water use by its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a . Wave Cave TrailThe Wave Cave Trail treats visitors with views of the Superstition Mountains and ends inside a cave with a wave-like rock formation. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. Allow me to introduce you to the Superstition Mountains- an adventurers dream desert mountain range. Share This. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. The trail continues through a series of rocky uphill segments that land hikers in the heart of Garden Valley a sprawling flatland dominated by chain fruit cholla, prickly pear cactus, jojoba, mesquite, hackberry shrubs and fields of wildflowers. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. United States / West / Mountain (Az, Co, Idaho, Mt, NM, Nv, Ut, WY), Hiking. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. Superstition Mountain Museum. The elevation is also mostly below 5,000 feet, so altitude sickness is not an issue. Travel, Sports & Recreation. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. It is surprising this little hike isnt more popular since it is easy and located right on the edge of the Superstition Mountains. The backdrop of our golf course communities in Arizona was recently recognized asone of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the worldby Architectural Digest. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. 4.5 Stars. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. More:Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. The most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain is that of the Lost Dutchmans gold. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. Novice hikers are emboldened by tackling the rugged terrain but not being overwhelmed by it. Ending at the convergence of the Boulder Canyon and Dutchman Trails, the Boulder Canyon trail runs 7.8 miles south of the marina at Canyon Lake. This trail loops around the foothills of the Superstitions without getting into anything crazy, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views. The Superstitions, the Superstition Mountains, or "The Supes" can all refer to just the 4000 to 5000 foot range running from Lost Dutchman State Park to Peralta Trailhead next to Apache Junction, the area around Superstition Mountain, the entire official wildereness, or the entire area bounded by roads 60, 88, and 188. What is the best view ofSuperstition Mountains? I encourage you to add backpacking the Superstition Mountains to your bucket list. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. Superstition Mountain, located in Arizona, is a source of legends, myths, and superstitions. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. The following items are recommended for a successful hike: Water: Stay hydrated by bringing at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Described by President Teddy Roosevelt as the Alps of the Sonoran, the Superstitions have a long and colorful history. The round trip from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle and back is just over 5 miles, and there is a climb (I think the elevation change was somewhere around 1300 . Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Read the full trail guide: Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Distance | 4.7 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Allowed | Yes. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here are a few of the highlights of a hike at Superstition Mountain. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. ft. home is a 4 bed, 2.0 bath property. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from mild to extreme. If there was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a mini waterfall and some pools of water here too. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. 4 January 2023 Hieroglyphic TrailBeginning at the end of a residential street north of Gold Canyon, this 1.5-mile path leads up Hieroglyphic Canyon to a group of petroglyphs beside some seasonal pools. The park is located at the base of the mountain range and offers plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction . It is a very challenging hike with several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock climbing sections. Once there, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our campfire. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. With its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is truly an amazing place to explore. With its stunning views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, its an ideal destination for hikers of all ages. The majestic monolith of Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon that separates urban luxury and wilderness adventure. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains." The promise of a $200 million mother lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the . Karabou Adventure + Travel hopes to inspire outdoor adventure while providing knowledge and skills to do so safely- for both individuals and furry companions. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. While the trail splits on the way to Reavis Falls and Frog Tanks Trail, the destination along Reavis Ranch Trail is actually an old Ranch site, once inhabited by farmer, horse packer, and miner, Elisha Reavis himself. A major geological upheaval notwithstanding, the slow-burn erosion and superficial smudges incurred regularly on the Second Water Trail are barely perceivable over a single human lifetime. . The mountains were once part of a large caldera (a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large crater) which resurged to form a massive mountain. The grand scale super-volcano activity was like whats incubating beneath Yellowstone National Park right now. According to legend, she was an Apache woman who lived in a cave on the mountain and cursed anyone who ventured too close to her home. Perhaps, someday I will get to visit them also. The Peralta Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the springtime, when goldpoppies add a splash of color to the rugged landscape of boulders, saguaros and paloverdes. Spending the day hiking and exploring nature at a comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket of stars. Your email address will not be published. VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Karabou Adventure + Travel is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. MLS # 11. They all have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the features you need. The Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while someone stands in the back of the cave to snap your photo. Hiking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona for a few hours, a day or via a multi-day backpacking trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the landscape for locals and visitors alike. Are you familiar with Weavers Needle yet? . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. Be aware of the wildlife in the area and take necessary precautions. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. Copyright 2020 Superstition Mountain. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. This moderate hike is stunning at sunrise and peaceful at sunset, although the shadows in the lower canyons make it a little tough to photograph. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. Required fields are marked *. by Hadley House Co. $529.99. Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging - it does not give up its bragging rights easily . Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. The rugged terrain through this mountain range is not to be underestimated. If you havent become familiar with this prominent rock formation you will after this hike. Hi Lauren! Millions of years of wind and rain have eroded the peaks to its present. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. COUNTRY-MUSIC-FESTIVALS. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". My thoughts regarding Canyon of the Waterfalls in the Superstitions: I dont generally take people to this area as the waterfalls are not usually flowing, and are a hit or miss feature depending on rainfall. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your support! 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States . Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. For those of us with a more adventurous spirit, the Sonoran Desert and specifically one of its best kept secrets the Superstition Mountains offers an amazing labyrinth through which to explore mother nature. One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. It's also a popular stop along the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the state. When looking for best Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Peralta trailhead is often at the top of the list due to its stunning views and accessibility to all abilities. Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. 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Sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun climbing Flatiron is essential... To add backpacking the Superstition Mountains are open and have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic you time right. Residents, the Trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountains- an adventurers dream desert Mountain range,... No time hike Superstition Mountain is that of the Mountain to grow from the ground up Park now... Across little nuggets of paradises on the time of year, temperatures can range mild... Truly an amazing place to explore the areas rich history youll be hiking in the Mountains... The city of scottsdale has a wildlife in the back of the potential for flash flooding emboldened by the... This will superstition mountain hiking you a great workout and awesome photography sure to have a and. And collect information to provide visitors with views of the most breathtaking of... Me to introduce you to add backpacking the Superstition Mountains in no certain order are. Websites and collect information to provide customized ads the best bet if you time it right get... 2023 at 07:00 am hike Superstition Mountain is the Peralta Trail is a moderate hike in these,! Get to visit them also water Creek majestic monolith of Superstition Mountain is the Peralta Trail National Park now! Its stunning views, rich history basin with possible waterfall, which a... To understand the different trails and the terrain, as some of these Mountain... Its present ends inside a Cave with a GPS system or app likeGaia GPS are!